芽鱗(がりん) bud scale

　赤色の鞘は、冬芽を包みそれを守っていたモミジの芽鱗です。芽鱗は、新芽と一緒に伸びますが、やがては役割を終え散ります。

　The red parts are bud scales of maple tree that have wrapped and protected the winter buds. They grow with the winter buds, but after a while finish their role and fall off.